Life Flight

“We had a friend over from the UK and decided to take him for a Kiwi quad-biking experience,” says Kapiti businesswoman Kaz. “I don’t remember the accident, but my bike rolled and my husband, our friend and the tour guide were up ahead, didn’t realise, and carried on.

“I woke up with the quad on top of me. I had a head injury, numerous broken bones, including my wrist, elbow, shoulder and nose, a broken tooth; and a crush injury and tissue damage to my leg.”.

“We hadn’t seen anyone else for hours on the tour but, praise God, two guys came by on motorbikes. They lifted the bike off me and one went to get the others, who had realised I was missing and were heading back. But unfortunately, the tour guide still had to go elsewhere to get a cell signal.”

Due to the remote location and seriousness of Kaz’s injuries, emergency services called out the Westpac Rescue Helicopter. Kaz says that even today she feels emotional when she hears that familiar sound of blades whirring overhead.

“I was in so much pain, there was blood everywhere, and I was drifting in and out of consciousness,” she says. “But when I heard the helicopter above me, it filled me with hope.

“All I recall of the flight is being winched up in the gurney, the pain was excruciating. They landed where they could, to stabilise me and give me strong painkillers. The next thing I remember is waking up in resusc’ with doctors and nurses everywhere.”

Now doing well after multiple surgeries, Kaz is determined to give back to the trust. She works with One Agency Kapiti reality, and last year they auctioned a few things, including a package in which she undertook a house sale for free. In total, they all raised $39,615, which was donated to Life Flight Trust.

“It was humbling to see a lot of businesses getting behind it,” she says. “Pools and Spas Kapiti donated a spa, Best Practice Lawyers gave conveyancing services, we had a house wash from Absolute House Wash and house clean from Waikanae Commercial Cleaners plus lots of auction items and help from other local businesses. We are hoping to do be able to do it again soon.

Life Flight are amazing. They have saved so many people. I would not be here today without them.